When the opportunity to experience the majestic Northern Lights with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and their Australian representative, Cruise Traveller, presented itself, I didn’t hesitate for a second.
And lucky I did because the journey turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.
The Fred. Olsen team made sure every detail was taken care of, with the staff and crew going above and beyond to make us feel welcome and pampered.
Pam, our dedicated host, ensured that we had everything we needed throughout the trip. Her constant attention to detail and effort to make our experience seamless gave us the chance to fully enjoy both the ship and its incredible destinations.
Our adventure began with a departure from Newcastle in the UK. This lively and culturally rich city, with its vibrant atmosphere and historic charm, set the perfect tone for our journey.
After a warm welcome aboard and some celebratory cocktails, we sailed out of Newcastle and across the North Sea. The crossing was a little rough but once we arrived in Molde, Norway, it was smooth sailing.
Fred. Olsen is a well-established name in Norwegian ports and its ships have prime docking locations, often right in the heart of the town.
In Molde, I opted for the Atlantic Road tour, which lasted approximately three to four hours. The incredible scenery along the way was absolutely awe-inspiring. The road stretches out to the ocean’s edge, weaving across small islands and islets connected by a series of bridges.
The cold winter air was invigorating, but as long as you had the right gear, the experience was perfect. Known as the world’s most beautiful drive, it truly lived up to the title.
After the excursion, we returned to the ship for another indulgent meal – the cruise line certainly knows how to cater to its guests! I was also fortunate enough to see some whales.
Our next stop was Ålesund, where we admired the town’s striking Art Nouveau architecture. The unique buildings, nestled against a backdrop of picturesque scenery, made it feel like a real-life postcard.
This day also marked a special milestone as we crossed the Arctic Circle. There is a small red beacon on the island marking the location and a ceremony is held aboard the ship to commemorate the event.
Some brave souls even participated by having cold water poured over their heads, though I opted to simply watch the fun from a distance!
A ship tour provided us with the opportunity to inspect various cabin options, some of which were soon to be refurbished. The bathrooms were surprisingly spacious, with large showers – a luxury on many cruise ships.
Later, we received thrilling news from the captain: the Northern Lights were out! The decks quickly filled with guests, all eager to capture the awe-inspiring spectacle on camera.
Witnessing the Northern Lights was a truly magical moment. The vivid green and purple hues dancing across the sky made for an experience I’ll never forget.
However, they are also notoriously unpredictable, so we felt incredibly fortunate, especially considering that the three cruises prior to ours had been unable to see them. With this, a major item was ticked off my bucket list!
Another memorable highlight was the wine tasting session where the crew amazed us by saber-ing a champagne bottle in front of us. The wine was delicious, but the spectacle made it even more special.
The following day we had the opportunity to go dog sledding. Bundled up in layers of winter gear, Laura from Cruise Traveller and I shared a sled through the snow. It was a surreal, almost dreamlike experience, and it felt as though we were living in a winter wonderland.
The next port, Tromsø in Norway, is home to the indigenous Sami people, who welcomed us warmly, sharing their stories and traditions.
One of the highlights was feeding the reindeer, an experience that felt like a scene from Christmas. Tromsø itself was delightful, with snow-covered streets and icy landscapes creating a picture-perfect setting.
The following day was spent at sea and we were treated to a fun scavenger hunt. First place winners enjoyed delicious homemade chocolates as their prize.
Later, I decided to brave the outdoor jacuzzi. While it was wonderfully warm, getting in and out of it in the freezing cold was quite a challenge. Nonetheless, I embraced the moment and the refreshing plunge was worth it!
As we made our way back to Newcastle, I couldn’t help but reflect on what an incredible journey it had been. The Northern Lights, the adventures in snow and ice, the memorable landscapes and the warm hospitality of the Fred. Olsen team made it an experience like no other.
From start to finish, every moment felt special and I left feeling that the trip had exceeded all my expectations.
https://www.cruisetraveller.com.au/northern_lights
